Anyone make ready to fly replicas

alcook59 · 14 October 2009, 05:50 PM

I've seen all the places that sell replica kits of WWI fighters, but does anyone know of someone that makes ready to fly planes for sale?

Joe Perkel · 14 October 2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alcook59

I've seen all the places that sell replica kits of WWI fighters, but does anyone know of someone that makes ready to fly planes for sale?

Assuming that you are located in the U.S, the answer is unfortunately,..no. The reason being that full scale replica's would fall under the "Normal Utility" category, and require a rigorous certification process. I think it unlikely that the designs as they were, would make the grade by today's standards, so a full R&D program would be in order.

The next best bet for a ready to fly replica, would be a scaled down version built to fit the "Light Sport Aircraft" category. This also, would require significant R&D, and the approriate category specific certification requirements. The market simply does not support this level of business effort.

The kit and plans market that you note, is supported in the U.S., by the existence of the "Experimental Category." Thankfully, the spirit of grass roots aviation, remains alive and well here!

There are out there, individuals that may build a replica for you, but they would have to obtain the airworthiness certificate under the Experimental category, then transfer title. Unfortunately, this exposes the builder to a bit of risk.

A hybrid of the above, would be to commission a known builder to fabricate a one-off "kit" and stay within the 51% rule.

'14-'18aviationcollector · 14 October 2009, 09:27 PM

Hi Alcook59,

It has been my dream for the last 25 years or so to do exactly that - to market full scale flying accurate replicas of First World War aeroplanes. That's the reason I have been collecting and studying relics from First World War aeroplanes, obtaining and making drawings of components and collecting photographs of First World War aeroplanes. I am actually making a small contribution to making this happen as I am typing - I am rolling the air strip where a few of us will hopefully be building and flying aeroplanes in a few months time - and loving it!

.... I am progressing at the blisteringly supersonic rate of about ... oh I would say 200 or 300 mm per second or so, so it's pretty relaxing

I really love being out here in the country, and hopefully soon I will get a container, and / or a hanger or a shed, and start building.

As Joe said, I think the liability issues, and the massive amount of time and money required for research and development are the main reasons no one has done it so far, but it has always been my dream and I am very keen to at least investigate the possibility. I am not extraordinarily wealthy, so that is a challenge too. The ideal candidate would be someone who has a lot of time and money on their hands.

Cheers,

David.

snj5 · 15 October 2009, 03:15 AM

For what it is worth, there is a small secondary market in these replicas. Two examples are a Rotec powered N12 was recently advertised for sale, as well as Airdrome Aeroplanes has a couple of the Nieuports from 'Flyboys' for sale.

Mr Gaertner at Blue Swallow, will build you a replica aircraft to exacting specs, but there is a bit of delivery time. Give him a call, he is a good guy.

That said, Airdrome may also build one of their kits for you. Robert is the second largest producer of fighter aircraft in Missouri.

Major Larabee · 15 October 2009, 08:29 AM

If you need somthing in the UK.

Biggles Biplane Restoration

mossie · 15 October 2009, 09:29 AM

If it's a Fokker your after, then best talk to Achim Engels, in Germany. He builds them. See his site: FOKKER-TEAM-SCHORNDORF VISITOR`S PLATFORM

TSJohnson · 15 October 2009, 11:35 AM

Hi alcook59,

Could you help us understand why you ask for a completed replica versus building one? The others have already addressed the liability issues so I won't add more there. Can you tell us more about your 'mission', limitations, if any, and why you would not prefer to build your own? It would help us to answer your question.

A few questions for you:
Full size or scaled down?
Powerplant?
Ballpark price range?
Do you fly off of sod or tarmac? Congested airspace or rural airport?
Have a place to build or store your project?

The secondary market is your best bet from what I've read so far. With the 51% rule for homebuilts, the FAA has the field significantly narrowed.
Good luck in your search.